Critique Welcomed Muted Autumn Colours

[David Jones]

I went out for a bike ride yesterday. We are fortunate to have some beautiful countryside close to our home and I have a regular out-and-back ride through Mount Rule, West Baldwin, Injebrek, East Baldwin, Ballaoates and home. I took the Sony SLTs yesterday but feel a bit uncertain about the results.

All these amazing pictures I see here and on 500px leave me wondering what I can add. For my own records I will keep snapping away but I tend to enjoy the simple and arguably mundane. I see beauty in a simple tree:


Tree at Injebrek by berriff, on Flickr

or a glimpse of a lake spotted as I was cycling downhill:


West Baldwin Reservoir by berriff, on Flickr

The saturation is muted because that is how it was in the evening light. Perhaps I am reacting to the over-dramatic norm that I see on 500px.

Are these images worth posting or should I leave it to the experts?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

If you like your shots, it doesn't matter what others think or do. But you do seem to be lacking in confidence (I know all about that!). Part of you wants to know how to enhance your images and part of you wants to stay far away from over-produced images. They are nice images indeed, so I wouldn't worry too much. Just keep shooting!

 

[Ahmad Bhai]

wondering what I can add ... I tend to enjoy the simple and arguably mundane. I see beauty in a simple tree:

The saturation is muted because that is how it was in the evening light.
Are these images worth posting or should I leave it to the experts?

David the thing you add is who you are, unique ... just as everyone else
There are no experts only learners. Ansel Adams would doubtless say he is just an absolute beginner (as would David Bowie ).
Muted tones is always nice to me. The way the road is part of the wilderness is like we are still million miles from home.

 

[Julian de'Courcy]

David these are smashing images full of integrity. I can see from the cloud cover that what you have produced is,what this light does. The tones for me are sober and superb. Your words about finding beauty in a simple tree is a brilliant approach and always worthwhile to read from others to remind ourselves. Looking forward to seeing more Landscapes.

 

[David Jones]

Thank you for your kind comments. Lacking confidence is a family trait. My main question has been answered - is anyone else interested? As the answer is "yes", then I will keep posting and keep learning from you all.

After a working life dealing with the objectivity of science and engineering, in retirement I am now pursuing the creative interests that I previously had far less time for and I am still adapting to the new reference points. I agree absolutely that we never stop learning.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

The main tree in the first really is bonny, and if I'd seen it I would have shot it too. And in the second, the eye connects the disappearing road with the lake. All of that indicates one thing - you have an eye for photography. Looking forward to the next upload.

 

[Pete Askew]

We are most certainly interested and, as the others have said, these are a fine pair of shots. I like the natural colours and both compositions work very well; with the tree providing a very nice focus in the first and the diagonals leading the eye perfectly through the second. The only thing I would add would be a fine black border.

 

[Stephen Baker]

I agree with all of the above, They are your pictures and you took them because you liked the view, keep taking pictures, and try something new every now and then you will be surprised what you teach yourself, and be confident your pictures as are as good as anybodies.

I quite like both of the images as the road leading into the image is making me wonder what around the corner.

I dont know what software you use, but you could maybe give the images a bit of extra punch with a couple of simple tweaks..if you want a example just shout..

 

[Beth Carter]

i really like the tones and the light, it has a bit of a somber, early winter mood.